A 38-year-old man has been arrested and is due to be charged following an alleged arson attack on the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, authorities have said.

Cody Balmer faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.

The arrest came hours after Shapiro, often touted as a future White House contender, woke up in the middle of the night to authorities banging on the door of his home as a fire spread.

At a news conference on Sunday, Shapiro said he was "obviously emotional" as he recalled what had happened. The Democrat and his family were able to evacuate unscathed, but their home in the state capital of Harrisburg was severely damaged.

"I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night," he told reporters.

Hours before the fire, Shapiro and his family had celebrated the first night of Passover, a Jewish holiday, at home.

"When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover," he said - adding that Balmer's motives were not known.

Police Deputy Commissioner George Bivens said the suspect had a homemade incendiary device in his possession and was arrested in the Harrisburg area.

Authorities believe the suspect was able to hop a fence surrounding the home and get inside to start the blaze, which is still being investigated.

"I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night," he told reporters.

Hours before the fire, Shapiro and his family had celebrated the first night of Passover, a Jewish holiday, at home.

"When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover," he said - adding that Balmer's motives were not known.

Police Deputy Commissioner George Bivens said the suspect had a homemade incendiary device in his possession and was arrested in the Harrisburg area.

Authorities believe the suspect was able to hop a fence surrounding the home and get inside to start the blaze, which is still being investigated. (BBC)

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